Monday, October 12, 2015

Motorcycle Tourists Ruining the Alps (Dolomites, Pyrenees, etc.)?

Just a footnote before proceeding:  motorcycle tourists are noisy, stinking inhabitants of the various mountain ranges in Europe.  While I can appreciate the allure--seeing what I see from a bicycle, but faster and without all the work (thus allowing the rider to continue their smoking habit), it is a shame that the machines that they use are as loud as they are allowed to be, and emit such an an obnoxious odor as they pass.  Plus most of them think that they are the next Valentino Rossi.  Which doesn't help with the noise since they are usually going full throttle, or as close to it as they can.  Cars?  I can deal with cars as there are far fewer of them and they pass by with little commotion.  Little noise, no notable fumes (the fumes are there, of course, I just can't sense them except on rare occasions).

The motos were most notable on Cormet de Roselend and in Tuscany.  There were none on Grand Colombier, none on Col du Chaussy/Col du Mollard/Croix de Fer, and remarkably few in Italy--probably since we weren't riding the Dolomites.  The Italian mountains I climbed were very difficult and picturesque, but not famous, and thus don't attract the attention of the 2-wheeled motor driven society.

I do not know if anyone in any position of authority is aware of the negative aspects of the moto-tourist crowd.  I don't know where to begin to let anyone know.  I think the best way around it for us, as bicycle tourists is to go to the Alps/Dolomites/Pyrenees, etc., between September and May--forget trying June through August, unless you're willing to endure the incessant lines of motos passing by.

I didn't take any footage this year, but this clip from our 2010 trip to Italy shows what it is like in terms of noise--the smell, of course, doesn't translate.  You will have to add that aspect via your imagination.  This is on the Stelvio Pass from the Bormio side.




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